It was such a vivid dream! The surf was up and the waves were rolling in onto the beach. Twelve-year-old Michael couldn't resist the appeal of the foaming blue water and he joyfully dived in.
But—instead of landing in the tumbling water, he fell from his family's camper into the rushing traffic of the interstate highway, almost under the wheels of a big truck.
What a terrible awakening! But all ended happily for Michael. Sheriff's deputies took him to a hospital where his cuts and bruises were treated, and soon he was back with his family with a tale to tell of his dream.
What a strange happening!
Strange? Not really! We see it every day: men, women and children living their lives in dreams and totally forgetful of the awakening just ahead. People all around us are living in dreams of prosperity and pride and riches, of popularity and success and happiness in this world. What will the end be?
In Psalm 73 we read: "How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment!... As a dream when one awaketh." The dream of life is over, and the awakening is rude indeed. To wake in eternity without God and without hope forever—could anything be worse?
Young Michael awoke to find help and comfort and a speedy reunion with his family, but there can be nothing to help the one who leaves this life unsaved. There is no second chance.